Press notices for planning applications 2023/24

OPDC as the local planning authority (LPA) has a statutory duty to advertise certain planning applications in the local press. As such, relevant planning applications are publicised in the Brent and Kilburn Times, and/or the West London Gazette (or online at www.mylondonnews.com).

The exact cost of press notices throughout the year is difficult to predict, due to the variable nature of planning application submissions, together with differences in the cost of individual notices, which can differ in size. Approval is sought to spend up to £20,000. This is based on the cost of previous years’ publicity (c.£15,000) and the pipeline of planning applications expected to be received in 2023/24, which are greater in number/size and likely to require publicity, rather than deriving from a known publicity-cost-per-application (or mix of application types) multiplied by the forecast number of applications. Further approval will be sought if expenditure exceeds £20,000 during this financial year.

Wavemaker is the approved GLA Group media supplier and acts as liaison between OPDC and the local newspapers. The planning case officer provides the copy and liaises with the Communications and Engagement Team to arrange for the notice to be placed in the next available edition of the relevant newspaper, which is determined by the location of the planning application site.

The publicising activity will occur during 2023/24. The supplier has been providing this service for several years, including for Q1 2023/24, so this Decision is partially retrospective. The outcome will be to ensure OPDC complies with its statutory duties as an LPA in relation to publicity on planning applications.

OPDC has a statutory duty to consult neighbours and local stakeholders on large or strategic planning applications. Commitments to undertaking publicity and consultation on planning applications are also set out in the OPDC Statement of Community Involvement. Methods of publicity include mailed letters, emails to statutory consultees and local groups, site notices and press notices, when required.

The Head of Planning – Development Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that statutory publicity requirements for planning applications are met, and that press notices are placed when required. When a press notice is required, Wavemaker provide a media plan and the cost for the notice is agreed before it is placed in the relevant newspaper.

Risks and issues

If planning applications are not publicised in accordance with statutory requirements, including press notices where required, there would be a risk of OPDC’s decision on the planning application being judicially reviewed for failing to follow due process and comply with statutory requirements. This could lead to reputational damage for OPDC and delays to the delivery of new homes and jobs.

Under Section 149 of the Quality Act 2010, as a public authority, OPDC must have ‘due regard’ to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation as well as to the need to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

OPDC, as an LPA, has a statutory duty to publicise certain planning applications. The publication of relevant planning applications will benefit all OPDC residents equally (whether or not they possess a protected characteristic), by ensuring residents are aware of locally significant planning applications and that they have the opportunity to make their views on them known.

There are no other considerations in respect of this decision.

No one involved in the preparation or clearance of this Form, or its substantive proposal, has any conflict of interest.

Expenditure of £20,000 will be funded from the 2023/24 Planning Directorate Development Management budget.

Any further expenditure is subject to the Corporation’s decision-making processes.

N/A.

None.

None.